Shaggy

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1375967180' post='2168013'] I hated both the Thunderbird Pros that I've tried. Apart from the body shape they didn't have any of the feel or sound that I would associate with a classic Gibson Thuderbird from the 60s. Essentially it's just a very ordinary MiK active bass with an over-inflated price tag due to the name. and body shape. I think you need to ask yourself what it is about the Thunderbird that appeals to you. If it's the sound of all those classic rock records from the 70s then probably nothing but an original (not a modern one) Gibson will do. You could get whichever of the modern versions feels best and put one of the good aftermarket 60s-style pickups in it, but you'll probably end up paying more the pickups than you paid for the bass. If you just like the shape, then there are plenty of other options to look at like the Spector Rex, models from various Japanese manufacturers and there's someone in the US making B-O neck Fenderbirds all of which would be worth your consideration. [/quote] +1 to all that "Proper" Thunderbird tone is all about (1) the pickups, and to a lesser extent (2) the resonant mahogany body. Best solution - as BigRedX says - is either to mod a cheap but decent T 'bird (so Korean Epi or Tokai, unless you can pick up a cheap Gibbo or Orville) with Mike Lull or Thunderbucker p/ups (they ARE expensive), or do the same with the Fenderbird route which gives you far more customising options and a stronger neck. Latter is what I did - [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/180496-the-welsh-fenderbird-mk-2-a-quest-for-perfection/page__p__1736514__hl__welsh%20fenderbird__fromsearch__1#entry1736514"]http://basschat.co.u..._1#entry1736514[/url] - it was conceived purely as a gigging tool (which it is), but in fact tone-wise is simply the loveliest passive bass I've ever played - and I own a '65 T'bird IV, '65 Precision, '58 and '69 EB-2's, early '73 Ric 4001, '77 Travis Bean TB2000, '77 Ovation Magnum 1, '85 Explorer among others. It's all I use now for fretted.

Seen Wilko with Norman W-R - absolutely fantastic, though Norman is probably the sweatiest musician I've ever seen..... I wish I'd seen Feelgood live though; been nothing like Wilko's manic chugging guitar paired with Lee Brilleaux's snarling vocals before or since. What a great and underrated songwriter Wilko is too! Interesting reference to Norman W-R's early influences here: [url="http://www.flyguitars.com/interviews/mickhawksworth3.php"]http://www.flyguitars.com/interviews/mickhawksworth3.php[/url]

Same experience here - bought an SKB case off Alan, fast despatch, really smooth deal - thanks!

Ever since joining Bassworld (> Basstalk > Basschat) I've noticed that for some reason almost all the really tasty amp gear is in Scotland..... So I've attempted to redistribute in a small way by buying jacko's Mesa Titan V12 head Top guy to deal with - great communications, sent the amp off straight away immaculately packed, amp obviously lovingly looked after - really smooth deal; thanks fella! Just need to pinch some of his Alembics now......

[quote name='cocco' timestamp='1372703835' post='2128867'] If you're serious drop me a PM. No pressure though, it's a big decision. [/quote] PM sent Loving the "beard pic"! Grew one briefly after seeing Hayseed Dixie but missus complained....

[quote name='cocco' timestamp='1372518687' post='2126729'] I know the pickups, they're the bill Lawrence designed ones in the grabber that I used to have. I loved the tone on that. You don't want to sell it do you? [/quote] Hmmm... could be persuaded......only as I'm mainly using the Fenderbird these days

Yup; see 3rd post down tho' not great pics: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/76091-gibson-porn/page__st__60"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/76091-gibson-porn/page__st__60[/url] Genuinely great bass to the point it was my main gigging bass for a couple of years - reverse body perfect for my right hand technique, hottest passive pickups I've ever played, Gibson's best bridge (because it's a Schaller ), and medium scale makes for a very fast neck. Tone a bit more Fender-y than a T'bird, and no neck dive (unlike some T'birds). Only downside is fitting the case the size of an aircraft carrier in the back of a small hatch.....

Just bought a couple of cables off Andy - smooth deal, great communications, and sent them straight away - thanks fella!

Francis drove all the way from mid-Wales to God's country (South Wales) after a solid weekend grafting in work just to buy my Steve Smith semi-acoustic Great comms, really smooth deal, top guy - thanks mate!